Tag: life drawing

Drawing Straws is a life-drawing class crossed with a burlesque salon that takes place in the downstairs parlour of The Butterfly Club. Surrounded by knick-knacks and trinkets, seated on comfy cushions, the friendly organiser Sarah Pemberton takes the group through some ‘drawing star jumps’. This is right and left-hand drawing exercises of fully-clothed quick poses from Sarah and sometimes volunteers. It’s a workout for your hands and eyes to get you limbered up for the main event.

These sessions are for people with varied levels of artistic skill and experience. You are asked to show your drawings to the group, which can be daunting at first. Be brave, they’re kind! You may be surprised at what people admire in your work, as difference is valued. Also, the room is an intimate space and it starts to feel quite private after a few minutes.

The next part of the evening is the ‘main event’. A fabulous burlesque artist performs a song for the group, and is then your life model for the rest of the evening. There is a different performer every week, and our group was graced with the beautiful and talented Autumn Evergreen.

It’s not exactly a drop-in class – you need to let them know you’re coming – but you are not tied into going every week. This reviewer recommends that you go with a friend, grab one of The Butterfly Club’s many delicious cocktails, and be prepared for an entertaining night. The feel of the evening is very low key, with drawing and chatting with the model and each other being the main focus. It’s a lot of fun, and a good way to give your creativity a night out on the town in style!

Tuesday nights 7 – 9pm

The Butterfly Club

12 Carson Place (off Little Collins St) Melbourne

Cost $15.00 (includes help of professional tutors, drawing materials plus a performance)